The award recognizes the Township’s exceptional emergency response, and community support efforts, during the significant ice storm that impacted Oro-Medonte and surrounding communities in late March/early April 2025. The storm has been identified as one of Ontario’s most severe ice storms.

The EMESA is a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement and service across
Canada in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies
and disasters. A partnership between Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments,
the award honours recipients who have demonstrated excellence in their respective
fields.

The ice storm presented significant challenges to the community, including widespread
prolonged power outages, major telecommunications failures adversely impacting
critical infrastructure, hazardous road conditions with many Township roads impassable
at the onset of the storm, downed trees and power lines, significant debris on Township
roads and in parks, and damage to residential and commercial properties.

In response, the Township quickly activated its Emergency Operations Centre, declared
a State of Emergency, and worked around the clock to protect residents, maintain
critical services, protect critical infrastructure, communicate information, establish
resources for residents including the Neighbours Helping Neighbours Program and a
dedicated 24/7 telephone hotline, and support the community through a coordinated
response to the devastating storm.

Mayor Randy Greenlaw commented that “this award is a tremendous honour for the
entire Oro-Medonte community. It recognizes not just the work of Township staff, but
the product of an extraordinary, collaborative, and coordinated effort by emergency
responders, volunteers, utility crews and partners, contractors, businesses, upper tiers
of government, neighbouring municipalities, community organizations, and residents,
who came together during an extremely difficult time. While we are proud of this
recognition, our greatest achievement was seeing our community come together. On
behalf of Council and Staff, thank you to everyone who played a role in keeping
residents safe, and helping our beautiful community recover through remarkable
resilience, compassion, and teamwork.”

The Township will be presented an EMESA Award Medallion at a ceremony in early
November 2026, with the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial Ministers responsible for
emergency management.

The post Oro-Medonte Awarded Emergency Management Service Award From Public Safety Canada For Response To 2025 Ice Storm appeared first on Muskoka411.

“There’s something special about being on the water in the fall,” said Marie-France MacKinnon, Executive Director of NMMA Canada and Discover Boating Canada. “It’s a refreshing way to spend time with family and friends, enjoy the season at a slower pace and turn an ordinary day into an adventure. With resources from Discover Boating Canada, it’s also easier than many people may think to give fall boating a try.”

Discover Boating Canada, the go-to resource for all things boating, including expert tips, safety essentials and helpful tools, explores why boating belongs on your fall bucket list.

See fall colours from a fresh perspective. Vibrant reds, oranges and golds lining the shoreline and reflecting across the water create views that simply aren’t possible from the road. Pack a camera, warm apple cider and a cozy blanket for a picture-perfect day.

Enjoy quieter waterways. As summer vacations wind down and children return to school, launch ramps, marinas and popular destinations often become less crowded. Shorter waits and less congestion leave more room to cruise and enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace.

Soak up the crisp autumn air. Cooler temperatures can make time on the water especially refreshing. Because Canadian fall weather can change quickly, check the forecast before leaving the dock, dress in warm layers and continue monitoring conditions throughout the day.

Reel in fall fishing opportunities. For many anglers, cooler weather brings some of the year’s most anticipated fishing. Lakes, rivers and coastal waterways across Canada offer seasonal opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. Check applicable provincial or territorial fishing regulations before heading out.

Make the journey part of a fall getaway. Travelling by boat can turn a visit to a waterfront community, seasonal celebration or favourite dockside destination into a mini escape. Before departing, confirm docking availability and marina operating hours, which may change after the peak summer season.

Fall boating also calls for additional preparation. Check the weather and sunset time, share a float plan with someone on shore and ensure everyone has a properly fitted, Transport Canada-approved lifejacket or personal flotation device. Confirm that navigation lights, communications devices and essential safety equipment are working properly.

Don’t own a boat? Rentals and charters offer flexible ways to experience fall boating without a long-term commitment. Visit DiscoverBoating.ca to explore ways to get on the water, find nearby access points with the Marina Finder or discover the right type of boat with the Boat Selector. Be sure to tag @DiscoverBoatingCanada and share your fall boating adventures.

The post Canada’s Fall Colours Look Better From The Water: 5 Reasons To Extend Boating Season appeared first on Muskoka411.

Breathing wildfire smoke can affect your health. Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors and avoid strenuous activity when the air quality is poor. Stay informed by checking  air quality alerts and check the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), which can help you make decisions about your health.

Hot weather and poor air quality can happen at the same time because air pollution levels often rise during extreme heat. Extreme heat can cause severe illness. When both a heat warning and an air quality warning are in place, most people should prioritize keeping cool.

If you need to be outside, consider wearing a well-fitted respirator, such as an N95 or equivalent, to reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Keep indoor air as clean as possible by keeping windows and doors closed when temperatures are comfortable, using a portable HEPA air cleaner and setting your home’s ventilation system to recirculate mode. Reduce indoor air pollution sources by avoiding smoking and vaping, burning candles or incense, using wood stoves, and products that release strong fumes.

Consider spending time in public buildings with cleaner indoor air, such as libraries, community centres or shopping malls. When driving, keep windows closed and use the recirculate setting. If smoke is causing symptoms, move to a location with cleaner air and follow advice from your health-care provider.

Wildfire smoke can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of health effects. This includes infants and young children, older adults, pregnant people, people with chronic health conditions such as heart or lung disease, people who smoke, and people who work, exercise or spend long periods outdoors.

Pay attention to how you and those in your care feel during air quality alerts. Wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and affect the lungs and heart. Seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing or asthma attacks, a severe cough, dizziness, chest pain or heart palpitations. Call 911 right away if you think you are having a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

For more information about wildfire smoke and your health, visit smdhu.org/WildfireSmoke.

The post Health Unit: Stay Safe During Wildfire Smoke Events And Hot Weather appeared first on Muskoka411.

Impact Level: Moderate
Forecast Confidence: High

A heat event continues.

What:
Maximum temperatures of 30 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Humidex values of 38 to 42.

When:
Continuing into this evening. May continue into Thursday or Friday for areas near Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Additional information:
Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.

The post Heat Event May Continue Into Thursday Or Friday For Areas Near Lake Erie And Lake Ontario appeared first on Muskoka411.

Barrie – Orillia – Midland,
South River – Burk’s Falls,
Western Algonquin Park – Lake of Two Rivers,
Parry Sound – Muskoka,
Haliburton,
Impact Level: Moderate
Forecast Confidence: High

A heat event continues.

What:
Maximum temperatures of 30 to 37 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Humidex values of 38 to 45.

When:
Ending tonight for regions over central and northeastern Ontario. Persisting into Wednesday or Thursday for areas over southern Ontario.

Additional information:
Today will mark the peak of this heat event. Maximum temperatures near 37 degrees Celsius are expected this afternoon for some areas over southwestern Ontario, around the Greater Golden Horseshoe and eastern Ontario.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.

The post Heat Event Persisting Into Wednesday Or Thursday For Areas Over Southern Ontario appeared first on Muskoka411.

The post Tuesday Will Mark The Peak Of This Heat Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

One of the most dangerous places for an animal during hot weather is inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly climb, putting animals at risk of heatstroke within minutes. Even on mild days, in the shade, or with the windows down, a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly for an animal. The safest option is to leave pets at home where they can stay cool and comfortable.

As part of its No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is asking pet parents and animal lovers to take the No Hot Pets pledge, promising never to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle.

Hot weather can also be hazardous for animals outdoors. Make sure pets have access to fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and be mindful that pavement and sand can become hot enough to burn paws. Consider walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Animals left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water are also at risk during periods of extreme heat.

“Hot weather can become dangerous for animals very quickly,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By taking a few simple precautions, pet parents can help keep their animals safe, comfortable and cool during periods of extreme heat.”

Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of heat-related illness, which can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Puppies, senior animals, brachycephalic breeds and animals with underlying health conditions may be especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area and seek immediate veterinary attention.

If you’re worried about the safety of an animal, call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or contact your local police. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information about keeping animals safe during hot weather, or to take the No Hot Pets pledge, visit nohotpets.ca

The post OSPCA Reminds Pet Parents To Take Precautions As Heat Warnings Issued appeared first on Muskoka411.

A long duration heat event is expected. This is the first heat event of the season.

What:
Maximum temperatures of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Humidex values of 34 to 36.

When: Continuing for southern Grey County and beginning today elsewhere. Continuing through Friday.

Additional Information: The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures potentially reaching 34 degrees Celsius.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

The post Long Duration Heat Event Expected, Hottest Days Will Be Wednesday And Thursday appeared first on Muskoka411.

A long duration heat event is expected. This is the first heat event of the season.

What:
Maximum temperatures of 31 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Minimum temperatures of 21 to 23 degrees Celsius.
Humidex values of 34 to 36.

When: Continuing for southern Grey County and beginning tomorrow elsewhere. Continuing through Friday.

Additional Information: The hottest days are expected to be Wednesday and Thursday, with maximum temperatures potentially reaching 34 degrees Celsius.

Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the Air Quality Health Index approaching the high-risk category.

Take action to protect yourself and others – extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. Determine if you or others around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Check on older adults, those living alone and other at-risk people in-person or on the phone multiple times a day.

Watch for the early signs of heat exhaustion in yourself and others. Signs may include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine and intense fatigue. Stop your activity and drink water.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or your emergency health provider if you, or someone around you, is showing signs of heat stroke which can include red and hot skin, dizziness, nausea, confusion and change in consciousness. While you wait for medical attention, try to cool the person by moving them to a cool place, removing extra clothing, applying cold water or ice packs around the body.

Drink water often and before you feel thirsty to replace fluids.

Close blinds, or shades and open windows if outside is cooler than inside.

Turn on air conditioning, use a fan, or move to a cooler area of your living space. If your living space is hot, move to a cool public space such as a cooling centre, community centre, library or shaded park.

Follow the advice of your region’s public health authority.

Plan and schedule outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day.

Limit direct exposure to the sun and heat. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.

Never leave people, especially children, or pets inside a parked vehicle. Check the vehicle before locking to make sure no one is left behind.

The post Long Duration Heat Event Expected, The First Heat Event Of The Season appeared first on Muskoka411.

Extreme heat can cause serious, life-threatening health problems. To stay safe, go to cool places such as air-conditioned spaces, shaded areas or public buildings like libraries and malls. Take breaks from the heat, drink water often, even if you are not thirsty, and limit alcohol and caffeine.

Avoid strenuous activity and plan outdoor tasks for cooler times of the day. Keep your home cool by closing blinds during the day and opening windows at night if it is cooler outside. Use air conditioning if available and do not rely on fans alone to cool down.

Wear light, loose clothing and protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses. Check on family, friends and neighbours, especially those at higher risk. If you live alone or need extra support, arrange for someone to check on you regularly.

While anyone can be affected, people at greater risk include infants and young children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions. People who live alone, do not have access to cool indoor spaces, or who work or exercise in the heat are also more vulnerable.

Heat can make you sick quickly. It can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also worsen existing health conditions, such as lung and heart problems, and may affect mental health, causing changes in mood or behaviour.

Watch for early warning signs of heat illness, including headache, nausea, irritability, weakness, fatigue, light-headedness or dizziness. Some people may become disoriented or confused.

Other signs include extreme thirst, peeing less than usual or having dark yellow pee, skin rash, muscle cramps or very warm, sweaty skin, as well as a faster heart rate or a body temperature of about 38 C.

Mild to moderate symptoms can quickly become severe. Act right away: move to a cool place, drink water and cool your body. If symptoms worsen or you are unsure what to do, contact a health-care provider, call 811 or visit Health811.

Severe symptoms include vomiting, fainting or being hard to wake, confusion, trouble speaking or moving, and hot, flushed or pale skin with little or no sweating. Other signs include little or no urination, rapid breathing or a fast heartbeat, and a body temperature over 39 C. Severe heat illness and heat stroke are medical emergencies. Call 911 right away.

Extreme heat warnings are issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka when daytime temperatures are expected to reach at least 31 C and overnight temperatures are at least 20 C, or when the humidex reaches at least 40 C for a minimum of two days.

For more information about extreme heat, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website at  smdhu.org/heat.

The post Beat The Heat: Health Unit Provides Cooling Tips appeared first on Muskoka411.